Naperville resident Carrie Buddingh was one of fifteen local women executives named as an Influential Woman in Business yesterday. The 17th Annual Influential Women In Business Awards, hosted by the Daily Herald Business Ledger were held on November 5, at NIU Naperville.

Buddingh, 33, an attorney at Bellock & Coogan, Ltd of Oak Brook was chosen for her commitment to her community through her professional and volunteer work. At Bellock & Coogan, she helps clients plan for their futures and the futures of their businesses and families.

Buddingh was recognized for her work to keep local businesses strong and the local community thriving. And for proving that age and experience are not always the same. She is a dedicated member of the Naperville community. She grew up volunteering with her family and has kept that commitment to public service alive. She is the youngest ever President of the United Way DuPage/West Cook. United Way DuPage/West Cook serves a population of approximately 1.5 million people, larger than the population of 11 individual States in the United States of America.

She has been on the Board of Directors for the United Way since 2010, worked as Chair of the Volunteer Outreach Committee, and served on the Executive Committee in the roles of Secretary and Vice Chair before becoming President. She's making sure that the community she loves will still be strong when her generation is leading it. And, she's showing that having young voices at the table changes the conversation by bringing a greater range of perspectives.

The awards were presented at a reception at 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, November 5, at NIU Naperville, 1120 E. Diehl Rd. The awards were presented in partnership with the National Association of Women Business Owners - Chicago Area Chapter and the Women's Innovation Network (WIN).